Sunday, August 2, 2009

hardship and the love song of a Savior.

I had aspirations to make this blog informative, picture-filled, and full of life and story of my experience in Uganda. That may still happen.

But the truth is that I’ve been struggling to reflect, get it down on paper. And I am starting to realize that’s because God has been doing a lot of work in my heart post-Africa to help me see the work of His hands that He demonstrated to me while I was there…

I’ve been home for less than two weeks, and in these two weeks I have simply felt ‘stripped’… Stripped of a schedule, stripped of my VA family and mentor, stripped of my home, stripped of life consistencies like my health and car, stripped of a special relationship to me… I thought I felt alone and out of my comfort zone in Africa… and I counted on coming home for a sense of peace, comfort, and healing from that… And it didn't play out that way for me.

And God has MORE in store for me than comfort.

He is MORE than that. His purpose is bigger than making me feel good.

These days I feel like nothing stands still long enough to lean on or count on it being there when you turn back around. But God says,

“Kate, I know the plans I have for you… Plans to prosper you and harm you… I work everything according to my good and perfect will… I will never leave nor forsake you… I am the way, the truth, and the life… Remember that I sent my Son to the cross for you, that you will always be forgiven and in this never-ending love relationship with ME… I am the same yesterday, today, and forevermore… I am your Rock, lean on ME with all you are… The world will not defeat you, as Christ has overcome the world… You are my child, and I love you…”

It is the love song of the Savior.

Though the storms waters rise, and all I want is the shore… Somehow, though my vision is blurred and my legs seemingly broken, I will look to Him and will walk for His glory.

As for reflecting on Africa, it is still my hope to share those stories with you. I am beginning to realize God may have wanted me to have this "lens" of life perspective to look through before I half-heartedly poured out the story on paper when I just wasn't simply ready... Whatever the days bring, may the King get all the glory.

Monday, June 29, 2009

my farewell to America.

Myyy word.

It's here.

The days that I have been anticipating, trying to wrap my limited human mind around, with hopes that I could somehow prepare more for my time in Africa. The Lord alone knows what is in store, and appropriately I am joyfully relying on Him as the ultimate provider. There's such a peaceful sense of freedom in really letting go of my own control and surrendering it unto the God who is sovereignty and omnipotent. And I know that if I do cling to something... God has a clever way of teaching me to rely on Him. So pray that I surrender the first time around ;)

So AFRICA. I fly out at 10pm. No promise of contact back to the states until perhaps July 13 when I'm in Kenya. But I'm contemplating holding out... Really diving into the full experience of being disconnected from the comforts and connectedness of the United States... And really embracing God's encounter for me in Africa.

Well friends, it's about time that I say farewell. I am super excited. Fly tonight, London tomorrow, fly tomorrow night, AFRICA Wednesday morning!

Yayyyyy! :)

Well, America... See you in three weeks!

Uganda... Get ready for me to fall in love with you :)

Friends and family... I count you as blessings, will miss you, and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

God... It's me and You.

Let the journey continue........

Saturday, June 27, 2009

they shall run, and not be weary.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see…
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me…

Some of the highlights of the last 24 hours:
- Spending time with my VA family that has been house hunting in Alaska for the last week. And praise God, it was successful and they are very excited! Being with them is and has always been such a treasure, and every moment is significant as I prepare for a long goodbye on Monday when I fly out. The gratitude and praises overflow as I look back on this year and how God has used them in beautifully loving and gracious ways, all of which have and will continue to impact my life.
- The move into my new home is DONE! Moving was a huge hurdle to be jumped prior to leaving for Uganda, and praise God for an amazing couple, the new home, and exciting times of fellowship to come! And to the three gentlemen who lended their gracious hands and joyful spirits, I am indebted to you :)
- In less than 48 hours, I will be on my way to LONDON! My mind can baaarely fathom it right now. With that said…

My biggest prayer requests:
- FOCUS… Of the spirit, heart, and mind on things eternal, on my upcoming trip, on surrendering to His mercy and grace in humility.
- Strength… not of me but a true acceptance of that which only flows from God.
- JOY. The things of this world will perish, spoil, and fade, but there is great joy to be had in the God who sees me without blemish and loves me in a way that no earthly mind could possibly comprehend… And that loves endures FOREVER. So yes… JOY, a joy that overflows.

There has been so much going on over the last month, and there is so much to encounter in the month to come. I am honestly tired… My spirit feels a bit worn…

I know it is by the Lord’s grace alone that I will be strong, take heart, serve joyfully, and prevail and love in the name of Jesus Christ.

Father God, my sole prayer is this: That You get the glory in all things.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

a heart's preparation.

Friends,

I don't know if I have mentioned this yet, but I am actually moving locally here in northern Virginia just two days before I fly out to Africa. In addition to that, I will be saying goodbye to the people that have been my incredible family and mentors to me in many ways over the last year. (Being an Air Force family, they are relocating all the way to Alaska and start that process while I a out of the country.)

With that said, I spent yesterday packing slowly for Africa as I sorted through the emotions of saying goodbye to people so dear to me, anticipating a change in my home, and trying to focus on what there is in store for me in Uganda and all the encounters surrounding it.

I have been intentional about having quiet times to pray as I sort through thoughts and emotions of what is to come. There is a lot on my plate, and the weight will continue to be heavy over these next few days.

If you could please be praying along with me, I am praying for a supernatural peace, sense of truth and freedom, focus on the eternal things of the Kingdom, and comfort in resting in the arms of the Lord through every twist and turn. May God get all the glory in this time of surrendering so much of my comforts and security unto Him.

The song that's been speaking a lot of truth to my heart over the last week,

"With every breath, with every thought
From what is seen to the deepest part
I offer all that I've come to be
To know Your love fathering me

Father You're all I need
My soul's sufficiency
My strength when I am week
The love that carries me
your arms enfold me, till I am only
A child of God

With every step on this journey's walk
And wisdom's songs that the soul has sought
I give myself unreservedly
To know Your love fathering me"

Vineyard's "Child of God"

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

surgery sponsor? :) overflowing gratitude.

God has provided the funding for this trip in some tremendous, tremendous ways. My entire trip, costing upwards of $3,500... was entirely fundraised in almost THREE WEEKS! The pressure was on to raise the amount for my flight within three weeks, and then some more was raised thereafter to cover the rest of the costs over a month before that due date.

(Okay, seriously... You guys totally rocked in responding quickly and so generously. Praise God for that astounding work through each of you! I was so blessed in just watching the funding come in so quickly. The Lord did an awesome work.)

And then even more was raised in abundance!

So where does that money go, you say?

There are some options, but the money is committed to CURE International. As of today, an abundance of $469.52 has been raised. That money, once it reaches $1,000, goes to sponsor a life-changing surgery for a Uganda child! That's $530.48 left. (*I put this information out there knowing that SO many of you have already made personal sacrifices, so know that I am sharing this part of the journey with you and value your prayers and other support.)

I honestly have no idea how the Lord will work to see that money reach $1,000, but I am very excited for that money to be used for that purpose nonetheless - even if it's combined with another team member of mine, with other funds raised through CURE, or if some sort of fundraising event post-travels can be coordinated to reach that mark.

Speaking of provision, I've been thanking God for each of you as I have received all of your support in the form of thoughts, prayers, encouragement, questions and conversations. Your blessings have been abundant, and my heart overflows with great gratitude :)

shedding some light: trip details.

To shed some light on what exactly God has me doing in Uganda, I will try to use some pictures, keep it brief, and make it fun.

My journey starts in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 29th. My friend Meghann and I fly through the night to London, where we will spend an entire day exploring during our day-long layover. (I've never been to Europe - I am so pumped for this little rendevous!) We fly to Uganda late the 30th with the rest of our team to finally land bright and early in Entebbe, Uganda on July 1st. We will have a beautiful 5-hour trek to the hospital site in Mbale, Uganda. I'm told this is when a lot of African children chase our bus, and we have an opportunity to really capture the country. I can't wait :)

Mbale is in eastern Uganda, as can be seen below with a little red dot.


I have the amazing privilege of traveling with CURE International. Their mission statement is partly as follows:
"CURE is passionate about the physical and spiritual healing of disabled children in developing countries. As a Christian nonprofit organization, this is our passion and the foundation of what we have been doing for ten years."

Below is a quick picture of the hospital I will be volunteering in.


As you all know, I am a teacher and not a medical person. In fact, I don't like blood and such, and I barely made it through getting my immunizations for the trip without passing out. Haha, it's unfortunately true. But the opportunity to serve in this capacity is something that God has been shaping deep in my heart. More on that later :)

CURE provides a lot of awesome information on their website as is linked above, but here is the link to some information on the specific Mbale hospital called CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda. Use the links on the side panel of the site to navigate more.

Here is the beautiful face you'll see on the first page, a boy named Ian who underwent the hospital's surgery specialty - treating children with hydrocephalus.


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

declares the Lord.

God has each of us on a journey. A journey has character. It is unique. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

God tells Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you."

God set me on my journey long ago when He formed me, when He placed me in certain circumstances, when He used everything and everyone around me as well as His spirit to whittle away - as a fine Creator does - all that was, is, and will be me. The journey of my life has had valleys, and it is has had great mountaintops. And I will praise the Lord forevermore for all that He has done according to His good and perfect will.

Next step of the journey: Uganda.

You're reading this because you know that I am taking a journey to Mbale, Uganda, with my travels starting on June 29. There I will be working as a willing spirit to be both hands and feet, serving whatever and wherever I am needed. I've been soaking in wisdom from the organization I am traveling with, diving into the provided reading materials, watching a DVD showing exactly where I will be.

But there is only so much to be known, so much to expect, so much to specifically hope for.

Do I know not? Expect not? Or hope not?

No. I just do each of those things in specific ways.

While I do wish to be safe, my biggest prayer and heart's desire is not safety. My prayer, expectation, and hope is this: That God be glorified in it all.

God has a plan for me as I head to Uganda for two weeks to do His work. I know not what it is, and so I simply pray for a willing spirit, an open mind, and sensitive and moldable heart. I walk in faith.

I have a plan for you, declares the Lord.